The Sagrada Família basilica completed its central Tower of Jesus Christ on June 9 [5], marking a major milestone for the Barcelona landmark.
The completion arrives as the world commemorates the 100th anniversary of the death of architect Antoni Gaudí [3]. As the primary visionary behind the basilica, Gaudí's legacy defines the structure's unique organic style and spiritual ambition.
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Barcelona on June 9 [2] for a two-day visit to the city. The papal visit is designed to celebrate the architect's legacy a century after his death in 1926 [3]. The visit will culminate in the formal inauguration of the central tower scheduled for June 10 [1].
The project is managed by the Junta Constructora del Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, the organization overseeing the basilica's ongoing construction. The tower serves as the focal point of the cathedral's skyline, a goal that has spanned generations of architects and builders.
To mark the occasion, the basilica will host Open Doors Days in September. During this period, 20,000 people [4] will be able to visit the site for free to view the completed tower, and the surrounding architecture.
The inauguration ceremony on June 10 will bring together religious leaders and architectural experts to honor the completion of the tower. This event signals the approach of the final stages of construction for the entire basilica, which has remained unfinished since the late 19th century.
“The central Tower of Jesus Christ of the Sagrada Família was completed and inaugurated in early June 2026.”
The completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ represents more than an architectural achievement; it is a symbolic closing of a century-long chapter. By aligning the inauguration with the centenary of Gaudí's death and a papal visit, the church and the Junta Constructora are elevating the basilica from a local construction project to a global monument of faith and art.
